Flushing apparatus



L. SIMMONS FLUSHING APPARATUS April 21,1925.

Fi'led Nov. 29, 1922 WEF ' gnvenoz eol'fn/nwn/Q aan?,

attorno.

Patented Apr. 21, i925.

UNITED lSTATES LEO SIMMONS, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT 0F COLUMBIA.

FLUSHING AEPARATUS.

Application filed November 29, 1922. Serial No. 604,113.

To all whom, t may concern.'

Be it known that I, Lne SiMMoNs, a citizen of the United States ofAmerica, and a resident of lV-ashington, District of Columbia, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in and Relating to FlushingApparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to certain improve ments in flushing apparatus;and the objects and nature of the invention will be readily understoodby those skilled in the art in the light of the following explanationsof the accompanying drawings that illustrate what I now believe to bethe preferred mechanical expressions or embodimentsof my invention fromamong other constructions, and arrangements within the spirit and scopethereof.

A Referring to the accompanying drawings forming part hereof z Fig. lshows flushing apparatus embodying various features of my invention invertical section'7 certain parts being shown partially in elevation.

Fig. 2 is a detail section on the line 2f-2, Fig. 1.

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are detail views.

In the drawings, I show a water supply pipe l supplying water under heador pressure to the flushing apparatus, and flushing water connection 2leading to the toilet or other device to be ilushed, from the flushingapparatus. l

The apparatus embodies a shell or casing that provides an upper pressureor water supply chamber o, a lower 'flushing water discharge chamber oand a vertical passage or discharge port o from the bottom of chamber cto top or chamber I), and controlled andnorn'ially closed by a liftvalve mechanism.

In the particular example illustrated, the shell or casing comprises alower hollow section 3 and an upper hollow section 4. The uppersection 4is, in this example, approximately in the form of a T union or couplingthat is longitudinally threaded both internally and externally at itsopen upper end, and contracted at its lower end to provide washer seatt, the discharge passage o, depending threaded nipple 4b, and annularexterior downwardly facing shoulder Ll In this example, said section 4t,is also formed with a lateral supply water inlet between its upper andlower ends, that extends through radial exterior neck 4 internallythreaded to receive the water supply pipe l. This neck a is profe ablyangularly formed exteriorly to receive a wrench.

The casing section in this example is formed with a tapped vertical topopening that receives the nipple 4b so that the two sections are coupledtogether by a screw threaded connection. By this sectional casingarrangement, the upper section l can be rotated on a vertical axis withrespect to section 3 to cause the neck ad to project in any desireddirection from such vertical axis to accommodate various installationconditions (see dotted lines Fig. l) particularly with respect torelative positions of water supply and discharge connections, although Ido not wish to so limit all features of my invention.

In the example illustrated, the otherwise open top end of the shell ofsection 4, is closed by a flanged internally threaded cap 5 that coversand eXte-riorly fitsthe upper end of the section and is removablycoupled thereto by the screw threaded connection between the exterior ofthe section and interior of the cap flange. This cap5 usually carries apacking washer that `tits the top edge of section t to provide a. watertight joint. This cap 5 is exteriorly formed with an upwardly projectingboss 5q providing an exterior wrench-receiving portion that terminatesin a central vertical threaded post or stem 5b. The cap 5 and its boss5h1 are not usually exteriorly finished and plated but are left in therough so as not to be easily damaged bythe application thereto ofwrenches and other tools in the hands of mechanics. This cap is appliedand removed to gain access to the interior of the casing for theadjustment and replacement of parts, and mechanics usually mar anddamage polished and plated surfaces by the application of tools thereto,'I hence proferably leave the exterior surface of the cap unfinished,and cover the' same by suitable exposed ornamental linishing means thatcan be easily removed without the use of tools to permit access to thecap which requires a tool for removal and application. I show for thispurpose, an ornamental e1;- teriorly-iinished, thin metal cover cap 6formed to drop down over and cover the cap 5 and exteriorly fit downaround the cap flange. This cap has a central vertical top openingthrough which the threaded post 5b projects `upwardly. Iii v'thisinstance, the ornamental cover cap `(5 is removably held in place on cap5 by round metal lhead or disk 7 having a central threaded socketreceiving the upper end ot' post 5b and removably screwing thereonto tolock and release the cover cap. This disk 7 is Vpreterably formed at itsperipheral edgewith Aan Aannular 4groove receiving rubbery or othercushioning ring 8 'to be contacted by the closet seat cover. In otherwords, the-disk 7 and its ring 8 constitute al bumper `for the seatcover while the -disk also serves as means loi normallyholding orlocking tlie'removable ornamental cover cap over tli-e unfinished :cap5. The. bumper presents .an annularcuShiOningbOdy, hence a cushioningstop for the seat cover 'is provided what ever theadjustment oftheniit-forn'iing disk 7 or of the casing section fl with respect tosection 3. 'When `it is .necessary for 'the .mechanic to gain access tothe interior of the casing, he can unscrew the'nut-,foriniirg- 4bumpeidisk 7 and remove the ornamental or iinishing cover 6 `withoutthe'useofsurface marring tools. The cap .having the un'nislied` surfaceI is thusuncovered sol that the mechanic can applyhiswrench thereto VThe mainflushing' valv-e9, and the pressure relief or auxiliary valve Ll() areVarranged `and vertically movable within the iupper or water supplychamber a of the Jcasing,`and are controlled in their-verticalVmovements by avvertical lift rod llliaviiig longitudinal upwardcontinuation 11.-@ 'loosely 'fitting and vertically movable in 'thevcrtical guide socket dinithe cap 5. rlhe seat `for valve 9 is formed'byan annular washer .l2 of leather or other suitable durablecushioningmaterial, seated on the ledge or Vseat #la at. lower end'oitcasing section et and snugly htted within said section. This washerl 19,is'removably held clamped down on its seatiby a vertically-slidablewasher retaining device or spider consisting` of a `vertically movablering lffitting down on the top surface of the ivaslieifaiid 'within theiiinersurface of the casing `section `and having spaced i vertical wings#13- fitting' the inner surface of the casingfsectioinnnd yengaged attheir top edges by a ringnut- 1l screwed into the upper end of theeasing section. The spider T13- 133, can be held against rotation withinthe casing section, by a rib 13b, slidable vertically in a` yverticalgroove5c in the casing wall. The ring nut is notched toreceive a toolforrotating the same to remove the vnut and for rotating the saine toforce down the spider to clamp the washer. The nut and spider can beremoved trom the casingsection to permit removal 'and replacement of`the washer. VThis arrangement permits i adjustment of v`the washer fromthe upper end of thevcasing` through rotation of ring" nut let, whichis' readily 4accessible iwhen ycap 5 is removed. Also, the washer' andits securing means are thereby rendered easy of assembly within thecasing.

In the example shown, the main valve 9 is in the form oitl a truncatedcone formed of a block of metal or other suitable inaterial, formed witha central vertical bore or pressure relief passage 9a through which .thelift rod ll extendsand `in -which it is .pendent movement of theauxiliary valve as the upper end of the cap or spider 9 overhangs theupper end oii valve l() to lorin a stop limiting the relative verticalmovement ofvalve l0, andwhereby the valvel Slis lifted by valve l0. Thespideror cap V9c is con stantly open to free passage oiiwater fromchamber cinto/the interior olA the spider 'for flow through relief,passage 9a when that passage is open. The spider isprefcrablyinteriorlylarge with `respect to valve 10, so that ivalve 9 is more orless looselyhung on and freeto swing laterally with respect to valve l0improperly seating'.

Various means can be provided terniaiiually operating theliftfrod ll toelevate the relief valve `l0 to start `the llow o'l water through themain valve 9, and then toelevate the main valve by the engagement ol'valve lOwith the top or spider 9C to start the liullliushing-tloiin Foriustance,in this example, I show, a rotary or oscillatory stem 16extending` transversely through `the casing and having'exterior lateralor radial operating handlelT, aiidwithin the casing havinglaterallilitingai'i1ror`i1iger i8 yat its freeend in operativelittingengagement `with that portion o'ttlie lifting rodivit-liiii the chamberbt'ormed by casing section 3.

In the example illustrated, the'lower portion 3 ofthe casing isextendedlateinlly to uprovide an offset outlettor `the flushing water chamberb,and this outlet `fromsadepending vdischarge neck `or mouth 3 it'oi'nicdto be coupled to thetlushing `water oll'take The lower portion 3 of thecasingr is formed with an interioi'ly screw threaded 4opening` `alinedwith :the longitudinal `aves of the lii't rod ll and ol' the valves).l0, `andfthis opening receivesthe upper end of a1 depending cylindricaldash pot cupor cylinder 19, screw threaded atiits` upper end to screwfinto' said 'opening andthus form a Vdownwardly continuation ot thecasing.

iii

ving operation.

were?? vided with a dash pot piston 20, that works vertically in saidcup to control the closing movements of thel valves 9, 10, and hencepredetermine the approximate volume or` quantity of water discharged ateach flush- The piston is formed to rise freely with the lifting rodwhen that rod is elevated by manipulation of handle 17, and to slowlydescend under the pressure of the water and the weight of the parts thencarJ ried by the piston.

The piston head loosely lits in the cup, but is equipped with a flexiblecup washer 21 having its flexible annular depending skirt formed toexpand and prevent upward How of water within the cup past the piston,as usual. However, the lower end of the piston head within the skirt ofthe washer, is contracted or reduced in diameter to permit such inwardcontraction of the lower end of the skirt, when the piston is located atthe upper end of the cup, as to cause downward flow of water past thepiston into the cup, and to facilitate this operation of quickly fillingthe cup with water when the valves are raised and before they start ontheir closing strokes, I show the upper end of the cup interior slightlyenlarged by an outward flare or bevel 19, seein particular Fig. 3,showing the piston approximately at its limit of upward movement.

The object, is to assure the complete lilling of the cup with water,before the piston starts on its downward movement and the valves starton theiir closing movements.

lThe instant the piston starts down, the cup washer 21 expands againstthe inner surface of the cup against upward passage of water from thecup past the piston, thereby exerting more or less pressure on the waterin the cup. Hence an outlet for the water from the cup must be providedand the speed of the descend of the piston can be controlled bycontrolling the flow of water from the cup. For instance, l provide awater discharge and inlet channel or duct- 23 arranged longitudinally ofand within the wall of the cup, leading from the interior of the lowerend of the cup and at its upper end 253D, opening through the top edgeof the cup into the flushing water chamber o of the casing. The lowerend of this duct 23 opens into the lower end of the cup through themedium of radial port 23, and an adjustable tapered end set screw orpointed valve screw 24 is provided for varying the discharge capacity ofthis port 23a.

The set screw 24 is longitudinally adjustable in a tapped hole formedradially through the wall of the cup opposite and alined with the radialport 2.. The head of the set screw 2a is accessible at the exterior ofthe casing and cup and is formed to receive a screw driver or otherimplement by which the set screw can be rotated to increase or diminishthe capacity of discharge port 232L and the flow of water therethrough.

By this means, the rate of flow of water from the cup can be easily andaccurately adjusted to suit various conditions and to control thequantity of water discharged at each flushing operation. tions, thequantity of water discharged at a flushing operation, is determined bythe length of time it takes the valves to close from completely' openedpositions. How-- ever, water pressure and other conditions vary atdifferent locations, and even from time to time in the sameinstallation. These various conditions can be taken care of by thesingle simple adjustment screw 24, from the exterior of the casing,without the necesity of gaining access to interior parts.

It is obvious that when the piston 20 is drawn upwardly by the valveopening movement, water will be drawn into the cup through the duct 23and port 23a, possibly 'f sufficient water to fill the cup, and if thisoccurs, the beveled end 19a and contractile washer skirt 21, areunnecessary, but these last named features assure the quick filling ofthe cup on the completion of the upward stroke of the piston, under allconditions.

If so desired, the duct 23 can be formed by a longitudinal groove castor otherwise formed in the inner surface of the casting forming the cup,and the duct and port. formation and the beveled upper end formation ofthe cup, can be completed by the insertion of a cup lining tube 25 tocover the groove and form the duct and to provide the port 23?.

Material advantages are gained by the reversal of liow of water underpressure from time to time through channel Q3 and port 23a, as thechannel and port are thereby rendered self cleaning. If foreign mattertends to clog the port or channel, the forced water flow in oppositedirect-ions removes the obstruction.

In the example shown, the stem or spindle 16 extends transverselythrough the casing to one side of the lift rod 11, and the side walls ofthe casing are formed with opposite alined hollow bosses 16"', formingbearings for said stern 1G. (lne of theseY bosses is closed againstwater leakage by a :ap 27 containing a packing washer compressed againstthe outer edge of the bearing` boss, as the stem 16 terminates withinthe last named bearing boss. However, the stem extends to the exteriorof the opposite bearingboss to receive the handle 17. This bearing bossis e-Xteriorly threaded to receive a threaded cap, or packing nut orgland 28, containing suitable packing 29 compressed around the stem andagainst the edge of the Under like condi- Ell , boss. .Great difficultyhas been experienced Y in Vpreventing leakagealong tl1e,stem yand,through the packing nut 28,.,while yavoiding so muelilfriction on thestemas tofvresist free rotation or movement thereof. Ifv thepgland wastightened su'liciently to :prevent Water leakage, the stemy was grippedtoo tightly by the packingand thestem was not-'free to rotate.

VI have mostz effectively overcome this difficulty by forming an annularsmall smoothfaced groove 3() ,aroundtheiportion of the `.stem orhandleshaft 16 thatis surrounded by the packing. This `groove is locatedwithin thepackingnutatthe exterior of the bearing boss, andl` find thatthe packing eX- pands into the groovei and i tightly.A seals i theouterzend of the bosslgainst leakage yet leaves the `stem 4vfree torotate orA oscillate without excessive friction or restraint.

Itis ,evident-,that various changes,imodii cations,and departuresmig-htbe` resorted to without departing from the spiritand scope of myinvention andhenoel do notyvishVv to limit myself tothe,exactdisclosure-hereof.

l. Flushing v,apparatus comprising a casing embodyingqan yupper pressurechamber, alower flushing water chamber rhaving a lateral jfiushing,water outlet, a flushing water port Afrom the fpressure chamberto saidlower chamber; flushing valve mechanism controlling said port andembodying aimain lift valve .in the pressurechamber having a pressurerelief passage, a relief Avalve for closing and openingsaid reliefpassage,said valves-being closed solely by gravity and water pressure,,allift stem operatively connected Ewith said valves to Control theclosing movements thereof, land,pro wided withoperatngzmeans for liftingsaid valves in succession `against gravity and waterpressure; the lowerend of said stem provided with a piston having an annular dependingcontractile cup washer; a dash pot cup alinedwith said stemand receiving,said piston and arranged at thellower end of the flushing water ,rchamberthe upper end. ofsaid cup being open into saidchamber below saidlate al Outlet, the upper end ofsaid cup being formed to permit quickfilling of the cup when the piston is yapproximately at its limit vofupward movement, said cup having a. radial port at its lower endand aduct leading therefromito `the upper edge of said cup and open adjacenttosaid flushing water outlet, and a normally stationary valvescrew forcontrolling the `capacity of said radialport, said screw.adjustable-from theexterior of the easingrsaid pistonnand cupconstructed and arranged to control the closing movement of ,said valvessolelyfby the outlowthrough saidiradial port, the walls of the cupybelow ,its upperlendvheing otherwise imperforate.

-llushing apparatus comprising main L,and f relief I flushing valves, ,acasing provida fliushing water passage, a lift stem for saidV valves, apiston, carried by said stem for controlling the closing movement of thevalves,val dash pot cup .receiving said `pis- `tonand carried by saidcasingand vat its upperend open to saidpassage, said cup provided .with`a longitudinal water duet open tonsaid passage at its upper end at `thetop edge of said cup and at its lower end :having a port opening intothe' lower end of the cup,a normally fixed member adjustable from theexterior of the casing for controlling the capaeityof said port, saidpiston andthe cup beingvrelatively formed to perlnitvflowof water pastthe piston during nascent of the piston and to prevent Water `leakageexcept throughsaid port and'duct .during descent of the piston, saidpiston and the upper endy portion ofthe cup being relatively formed topermit quick inflow of water under the piston when approxi- 'mately atits limit of upward movement.

3. vFlushing apparatus comprising a` casing providing a pressure waterchamber having a. bottom port, a 'lushingwater chamber below said port,and ailash pot cup alined with said port andy at its upper end open tosaid-iushing water chamber-and otherwise closed except-for a radialperforation Vatthe lower end of the cup, a lift stem arranged in saidchambers and extending through said port and provided with a` pistonfitted insaid cup, main and relief Hushing valves carriedandcontrolledby sad stem and controlling said port7 the wall of saidcup-formed with a longitudinal groove opening througlrthe top edge ofthecup and extending` to the lower end portion thereof, said provided .withan inner "suri'ace-forniing lining sleeve covering said `groove to forma duet and at the lower end portion of said duet formed ,with saidperforation opening into the duct formed with said perforation openinginto the duct, and a normally fixed screw adjustable from the exteriorof the cupand controlling the eapae'ty of said perforation. i

le. Iii-flushing apparatus, a casing liiaving a flushing water passagewith an annular falve seat` formed by an annular compressible washer, aconical main lift valve normally fitting down within the center openingof said washer and seated thereon closing said' Cil lil

independent vertical movement of said auxiliary valve and by which theauxiliary valve lifts the main valve, said member' being constantly openfor flow of water therethrough and normally out of contact with theauxiliary valve.

5. Flushing aplniratns comprising a casing providing a top pressurewater chamber, a bottom flushing water passage, and a bottom verticalflushing water port from the pressure chamber surrounded by an annularwasher supporting ledge, an annular compressible washer fitting thebottom of the pressure chamber and seated on said ledge and overhangingsaid port, a valve lift stem in said chambers and extending through saidport, main flushing and pressure relief lift valves controlling saidport and controlled in their vertcal movements by said stem, means forlifting said stem to open said valves, means controlling the descent ofsaid stem and the closing movement of said valves, the main ushing valvebeing of conical formation and normally fittng down within said washer,said casing having a removable top closure for said pressure chamber,the upper portion of the casing being internally screw threaded, avertically slidable removable ring in the casing for compressing saidwasher against said ledge and provided with spaced upright arms, and aremovable ring nut fitting said screw threads and engaging the upperends of said arms.

6. Flushing apparatus comprisng a casing providing a pressure waterchamber with an outlet port and a flushing water passage, gravity andwater pressure seated lift valves controlling said port and embodying amain flushing valve and a relief valve, a stem for lifting said valvesand controlling the gravity and water pressure closing movement thereof,means controlling the descent of said stein, a freely turnable rockshaft mounted in the casing and operatively connected to said stem tolift the same and said valves and provided with an exterior operatinghandle, said casing providing a bearing for said shaft having aprojecting exteriorly threaded nipple, said shaft having an annularsmooth-surface groove at the outer end portion of said nipple, athreaded cap `surrounding said shaft beyond and screwing on said nipple,and packing within the cap and surrounding the shaft and expanded intosaid groove to seal the same against outward leakage along the shaftwithout binding the shaft against free rotation under the weight of thevalves and stem. l

7 Flushing apparatus comprising a casing providing a top water pressurechamber and a flushing water passage, flushing valve means in saidChamber and controlling the flow of water therefrom, operating andcontrolling means therefor, a top end removable closure for said casingwhere by access can be gained to said chamber and the valve meanstheren, said closure having an exterior wrench face and a central threaded upwardly projecting stem, a removable thin ornamental exterior slipcover normally covering said closure and having a central top openingreceiving said stem, and a re movable linger disk forming a clamping nutnormally screwed onto said stem to secure said cover, said disk formedwith an annular cushioning rim to form a closet seat bumper.

Signed at l/Vashington, D. C., this 27th day of November, 1922.

LEO SIMMONS.

